Master of Science in Earth Science
You can help meet the expanding need for individuals in the public and private sectors who can develop and implement environmental policies for the ever-changing 21st century. From groundwater to global warming, from recycling to pollution, the awareness of earth health is a growing interest from both a scientific and survival perspective. Our Master of Science in Earth Science prepares teachers, environmental leaders, industry consultants, planners and others to manage community and natural resource concerns.
Master of Science in Earth Science
The C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University offers the M.S. in Earth Science -- the only one of its kind on Long Island -- to provide graduate-level coursework in the study of the Earth that includes geology, meteorology, astronomy, geography and oceanography. Classes are taught by practicing scientists and C.W. Post professors who are active in their fields through research, writing and teaching.
The 32-credit program includes required courses in earth science and geology as well as includes that allow for flexibility in meeting certification requirements, employers’ needs and individual intellectual interests. The program, which can be completed in two years, is designed for working professionals who wish to obtain an advanced degree in the field and also for teachers who hold initial certification but need a master’s degree to secure permanent teacher certification in the State of New York. The program may also benefit fully certified teachers who wish to expand their fields of expertise.
Most of the department’s courses are offered during the evening to better accommodate your busy schedule.
Career Opportunities
Professionals who complete this program will be prepared for a wide-range of careers in Earth-related issues including those involving:
* Regional and urban planning
* Geographic Information Systems
* Geology
* Groundwater management
* Coastal management
* Oceanography
* Storm and other natural-disaster preparedness
* Waste management
* Local, state and national politics
New York State Teacher Certification
The program will satisfy certification requirements for graduates who are teachers who hold initial certification but need a master’s degree to secure permanent teacher certification in the State of New York. The program may also benefit fully certified teachers who wish to expand their field of certification. Students will also be able to use the degree as a stepping stone to a Ph.D. in Earth Science.
Special Note for Educators
The New York State Department of Education has increased the number of earth science credits required for certification from 18 to 24. This degree meets these certification requirements.
Entry Requirements
A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a natural science, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who do not meet these requirements are welcome to discuss their options for admission with the graduate advisor.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Science in Earth Science must take a minimum of 32 credits as listed below. Students may choose to write a thesis or to take a comprehensive examination. The total number of credits required is the same but the courses differ as indicated below.
The Earth and Environmental Science Department recognizes that student backgrounds differ. Therefore, some students may not be required to take specific courses, but all students are required to complete 32 credits including either a thesis or comprehensive examination. To ensure both the quality of the education and serving student interests, students are required to meet with and obtain the approval of the program advisor in planning their courses of study.
Curriculum Plan
| Required courses: |
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| ERS 513 Earth Environment 1 |
4 credits |
| ERS 514 Earth Environment 2 |
4 credits |
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|
| Total required credits: |
8 credits |
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|
| Electives: (24 credits; 18 credits with thesis option) |
|
| ERS 501 Mapping Environmental Data with GIS |
3 credits |
| ERS 502 GIS Applications |
3 credits |
| ERS 505 Natural Hazards |
3 credits |
| ERS 515 Principles of Meteorology |
3 credits |
| ERS 529/GLY 529 Global Climate Change |
3 credits |
| GGR 518 Topics in Applied Conservation |
3 credits |
| GLY 502 Earth History |
3 credits |
| GLY 510 Oceanography |
3 credits |
| GLY 511 Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics |
3 credits |
| GLY 513 Marine Geology |
3 or 4 credits |
| GLY 514 Marine Sedimentary Environments |
3 credits |
| GLY 516 Physical Oceanography |
3 credits |
| GLY 517 Geomorphology |
3 credits |
| GLY 518 Ground Water Geology |
3 credits |
| GLY 519 Coral Reef Geology |
3 credits |
| GLY 520 Sedimentary Geology |
3 credits |
| GLY 521 Stratigraphy |
3 credits |
| GLY 523 Environmental Geochemistry |
3 credits |
| GLY 526 Earth Materials |
3 credits |
| GLY 533 Methods of Field Geology for Earth Science Teachers |
3 credits |
| AST 501 Spherical and Elliptical Astronomy |
3 credits |
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| Students who choose the thesis option will take two courses: |
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| ERS 707 Thesis Research |
3 credits |
| ERS 708 Thesis |
3 credits |
Students who do not choose the thesis option will take two courses from the choice of electives and are required to pass a comprehensive examination. If a student does not pass the comprehensive examination, he or she, at the discretion of the Department, may take the examination a second time. If the student fails a second time, the student may not receive the degree.
| Total credits: |
32 credits |
The 32 credits include 8 required credits plus 24 elective credits; for the thesis option, 18 credits are chosen from the list of electives and 6 credits are the thesis research and thesis preparation course.
Admission Requirements
Student’s wishing to enroll in the M.S. program must have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in natural science with a minimum GPA of 3.0. However, the faculty recognize that some students may be able to succeed in the program without a science background. Students receive individual guidance from the faculty advisor.
Admissions Applications
Admissions Office
C.W. Post Campus
Long Island University
720 Northern Blvd.
Brookville, New York 11548-1130
Phone: (516) 299-2900
Fax: (516) 299-2137
Email: enroll@cwpost.liu.edu
Web: www.liu.edu/cwpost
Apply On-Line: www.liu.edu/postapp
General Contact Information
You are welcome to contact the Earth and Environmental Science Department or the graduate advisor, Dr. Margaret F. Boorstein:
Phone: 516-299-2318
Fax: 516-299-3945
E-mail: maboorst@liu.edu
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